Friends, family to remember Gulf Coast High School student

Friends and family of Diana Zulian will wear her favorite color, purple, and will remember how she was always happy.

The Gulf Coast High School student and cheerleader didn't get the chance to start her junior year this fall.

Two months ago, the teen was stricken ill with what doctors believe was viral encephalitis. She died earlier this week. She was 16, her father, David Zulian, said.

At Gulf Coast's home football game tonight, there will be a moment of silence and the cheerleaders will release purple balloons in Diana's memory.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., North Naples.

At 8 p.m. Sunday, the youth group with the church will hold a candlelight remembrance.

"Doctors ran every type of test and could not determine the exact cause," Zulian said. "They may never know. They believe it was viral encephalitis."

Shana Dublan, director of Christian education at Vanderbilt Presbyterian, had not known Diana long but said she made a lasting impression on her. Earlier this summer, Diana was among 14 youth group members who traveled to Montreat, N.C., for a church retreat.

"She was a very bright young woman, energetic, friendly. She had a spark you just loved to see," Dublan said.

"Diana was genuine and the sweetest young lady I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She was just always happy and that is how we will remember her."

The youth group members will wear purple in her honor at the candlelight remembrance and there will be purple ribbons for those who don't have purple to wear.

"They will share stories of her life and the impact she made on all of us," Dublan said.